Aksar in mountains...

Jasmine Singh

Every once in a while actor Abhinav Shukla, a Ludhiana boy now settled in Mumbai, hits the mountains in search of quietness; quietness that fills him up with clarity. And it is the same clarity that he then uses in his work, signing projects, like he did in Aksar 2. 

Abhinav shares how he was mountaineering when he got a call from Aksar 2’s director. “I told them that I would revert in 10 days after coming back from the mountains. And when I got back, I met up with the director, who narrated the script and my role, which I found thrilling and interesting. And yes, there I was, in flat two days, I was on board with Aksar 2.” 

While interacting with Abhinav, one cannot miss his love for outdoors,  getting away from the hustle bustle of city life as much as he can. And the irony is that given the nature of his work, he needs to be in Mumbai. “I feel I haven’t quite settled in Mumbai. One, it is a cultural shock for me and two, I feel no one really has the time for others in Mumbai. For instance, if you need them, they wouldn’t be there despite swearing allegiance to you.”

Though Abhinav is finding his breathing space in the city, he definitely has found enough space for himself in the entertainment industry. A couple of television shows, and now this film. 

Sounds like a natural progression, right? “Every TV actor wants to do a film, but the thing is that if you sign up for a film then you have to be ready to dedicate time, which can run up to 2-3 years. However, I was prepared to give time and energy for the film. I believe works attracts more work, isn’t it.”

Aksar 2 stars Gautam Rohde and Zarine Khan as well. “It was great working with both of them. Actually, the first film that I did, was more like college boys project. Aksar is more like a professional venture for me. Not to forget, an amazing experience too.” 

Before he wraps up, Abhinav has other incidents to share,  all related to his trekking and mountaineering expeditions. The actor cycled from Manali to Leh, once to Baralacha as well. “I don’t understand why people set limits, like I will buy a house, then car, and so on.  But I ask them, what after you’ve achieved all that? I have come to realise the value other things, like nature, or pending time with my family in Ludhiana or peace of mind.” Aksar hum yeh value nahi karte.